James Copenhaver, 2024 Butler rally shooting survivor, dies two years later

Key points

• James Copenhaver died on September 23, 2026, at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh, according to the Allegheny County Medical Examiner.
• Copenhaver was 76 and a veteran who was shot twice during the July 13, 2024, rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
• His injuries included a bullet in his triceps and another lodged in his colon, causing nerve damage and requiring multiple surgeries.
• The shooting also resulted in the death of Corey Comperatore and injuries to David Dutch.
• President Trump and House Republicans issued statements mourning Copenhaver, while Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro condemned the political violence.

Background

The Butler shooting occurred on July 13, 2024, when Thomas Matthew Crooks fired at President Trump from a rooftop. The incident led to the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle and a bipartisan House task force that deemed the attack preventable due to security failures. Recent archive entries note ongoing political debates regarding the shooter's motives and alleged connections to broader plots, though investigators have not confirmed a wider conspiracy.

How outlets are covering it

CBS News and Fox News reported that Copenhaver died from complications stemming from his wounds, citing Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday. WTAE noted that the medical examiner's report did not list a specific cause of death, and the family's statement did not explicitly link the death to the rally injuries, though Fox News cited a source close to the family confirming he suffered permanent injuries and retained bullet fragments. The Independent focused on the Republican response, while CBS and Fox highlighted the family's description of Copenhaver as a patriot and veteran. Governor Josh Shapiro's statement emphasized the need to reduce political violence, contrasting with the Republican focus on Copenhaver's bravery and service.

Why it matters

Copenhaver's death underscores the lasting physical and emotional impact of the 2024 assassination attempt on its survivors. It also serves as a reminder of the security failures that led to the attack, which prompted significant changes in Secret Service protocols and ongoing political scrutiny of the event's circumstances.

What to watch

The family has requested privacy as they mourn Copenhaver's loss. No immediate political or legal actions are expected, but the death may reignite discussions about the long-term care and support for victims of political violence. The Secret Service and law enforcement agencies may continue to review security protocols in light of the ongoing scrutiny of the 2024 incident.